Microwave Keeps Tripping Breaker? Here's WHY!

This problem when it happens to you can be overwhelming! For some reason this seems to be an issue more common on newer models. Before throwing your microwave away try investing in fixing it first. Not sure where to start click now and I will show you.

[@arnaudjacquin2594]

This video made my day over three years after it was originally posted. This is literally the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you so much. As was the case with many other commentators, my monitoring switch was the culprit. Cleaning up the switch with cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol revived the stuck clicker/button and voila. Thanks again for such a clear walk through.

[@michaelkelsey4485]

Hey man I just really want you to know how grateful I am for this video, the maintenance guy told me it was completely fried and it was 600 bucks. The switch wasn’t even broken it just wasn’t clicking in and out like you showed at the end. Zero dollars spent and it’s brand new again. From my family to yours thank you.

[@ListenToMePlease]

Thanks for your comment! I had went to check on the click and it was just stuck for some reason..

[@Stooges_Sports]

I took mine out and it felt stuck...now it's clicking again. Going to try and re install 🤞

[@dukeimus]

@@Stooges_Sports did it work? I had similar issue its looks like it just stuck when clicking. I don't have multimeter to test.

[@alejandrotalaveracenteno9147]

Great video and easy to follow. Thank you so much. Mine switch was just stuck. I used the same switch once clicking and now the microwave is working again. Thanks again.

[@dirtytamato]

I really appreciate people like you who know how to do stuff and take the time to show us. It turns out that my problem was the same as yours. But thanks again. Great video

[@davidviles4405]

Sam, Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial. I followed your steps and found the monitoring switch to be bad and replaced it with one in an old unit I had laying around. You are a blessing to many people in this situation. Thank you again.

[@peterduxbury927]

Good work in teaching thousands! Quality (branded) Micro Switches rarely fail prematurely. Greetings from Australia.

[@randyvanburen9908]

Absolutely one of the best diagnose/repair videos I've seen. Thank you.

[@sentinelpeakpropertymanage5333]

Thank you for this detailed video! I was able to find the problem with my microwave and fix it myself. I feel so accomplished and it saved me ALOT of money!!

[@jaredbaker6496]

Amazing! This description is amazing, thorough, and complete with no little "secrets" left out. Thank you very much.

[@edrossotti]

Yes, great job explaining this all! Fortunately my microwave was like the one you used and the problem was exactly the same (bad monitor switch). It works now, thanks!

[@Thalia.]

Just showed this video to my husband who was already looking online to buy a new microwave, well thank you very much for saving us that money the little switch thing was stuck pressed on it a few times put everything back and it works once again! Thank you a thousand times!!🙏🙏🙏

[@chrisfraser1359]

Awesome video!! Thanks Sam!! This is exactly what happened to our microwave. Ended up being the middle door switch. Fixing it was so easy with the help of this video.

[@zoubeirachour5929]

This right here is what we all need. Thank you so much!!! I followed the step by step process and I found the faulty switch, bought it for $5 and the microwave is working again.

[@jrtolber]

Just came across this video. Helped me determine that my monitor switch wasn’t clicking and was getting stuck. Grateful for the YT community for this DIY help. 🙏🏾

[@valonikawilkendorf6475]

Thank you for this video. It helped me fix my microwave as well. I will say that I did however skip through the testing and went straight to the end. Sure enough I had the exact same problem. Thanks again!

[@dennyhawkins]

Great video, sir! Our microwave went out a few days ago. After watching your video, my wife and I decided to ride to our local dump. We found a microwave, pulled the switches, and replaced the bad one. Worked like a damn charm! You, sir, saved me a few dollars today! Thank you!

[@jeffreysnyder5692]

Thank you Sam! Great video and excellent breakdown of trouble shooting of a fuse that kept blowing. My problem ended up being the secondary safety switch, the switch was fine but the plastic tab supposed to hold it in place was letting the switch slip out of the holder and not allow the switch to engage. Again much thanks!

[@robertfuture]

Thank you for the detailed tutorial. I followed your steps and found the exact same problem. Thanks!!!

[@Macable]

Thank you thank you thank you! It wasn’t any on my switches or my fuse but I did find a loose wire that was causing my short. I was able to use your video to test everything and then noticed that the wire was loose. Going back in your video I was able to see where it should be plugged in and that fixed my problem. Thank you!

[@josephdepasquale480]

Great video Sam my GE Artistry™ Series 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven AVM4160DF2WS had a bad monitor switch. Your step by step explanation made it easy to troubleshoot the problem, thank you!!

[@brianhill4153]

Thanks!!! My middle switch was just stuck. I followed your steps and just pushed the switch in. Put it all back together and everything works!! A free repair is invaluable.

[@wtjra70]

You sir has saved not just myself, but many. 👏👏. Thank you Sam

[@chriswashington4298]

This was my exact problem with my Frigidaire Microwave. Your video helped me from start to finish with this issue. Thanks for sharing!!

[@Jazzbobacutie]

I’m having the same issue, where did you buy the switch

[@harrydejesus2975]

Great video Sam. Thank you for your time and for your troubleshooting demonstration. Very good to know. God bless.

[@whitneyschopf7859]

Helped fix my problem. Thank you for posting! You saved me a service repair call

[@vivekpunit4082]

Sam, this video is excellent with clear step by step instructions!! My GE microwave monitor switch was broken. Got it for $5 from Amazon and replaced it. The MW works like a charm now. Thank you so much 👍👍

[@amyanderson4794]

Outstanding video! It turned out to be the exact same switch. I took it a step further....I took the switch apart an noticed the copper connections were melted together. I pulled them apart (with a knife) and put the switch back together (1.5 hour process) ! It works, like its brand new! Thanks for the video!

[@zephyr2439]

Thank you for the excellent video quality and instruction! I removed the middle switch, and didn't have a multimeter, so I checked to see if they were all clicking, and the middle switch wasn't clicking at all, and seemed stuck inward. I pressed with a little bit of force, and the black clicker button pooped out. I reinstalled it, and the microwave is working perfectly, again. I ordered a couple replacement switches to be safe, along w/ a multimeter. Thanks again!

[@arnoldrojass]

You are the man! Thanks to your video I was able to repair the micro by myself. It was one of the SW you mentioned which was not clicking. Cost me $5 in Amazon. thank you so much you are definitely helping a lot of people with this

[@jmosufsen1]

Thank you! This was the fix for my microwave! Got the part off ebay for about $10.

[@alleyphineas3876]

Hello Sir. I would like to let you know how grateful my family and I are. We spent the holidays without microwave as no technician was available to come to help. I found your video and tried everything carefully. It is working perfectly 🥰. My wife and my kids are really proud of me and I thank you so much. May God bless you and your businesses. 🙏🙏🙏.

[@cbudde]

Our previous microwave lasted almost 20 years. We bought a Frigidaire Gallery and it failed in less than 3 years of intermittent use. Blowing circuit breakers exactly how you described. Your excellent video clearly described the problem diagnosis and how to fix it. I spent $16 in new microswitches and fixed the issue with your help - saving me who knows how much, worst case the cost of a new microwave. You've done a great service, as it appears this is a widespread issue. God bless you and yours, brother!

[@KennyInVegas]

I have the same microwave and problems....I'll try your approach...thanks!

[@KennyInVegas]

I gotta try your procedure...thanks!😊

[@cbudde]

For anyone reading this comment, I posted a follow-up with a less happy ending and a theory on why these ovens and oven doors are not so durable.

[@miketyler7616]

It's been a problem for years with all brands. Those little "Cherry" switches can't handle the current. They arc and stick closed

[@angelobattisti8517]

THANK YOU!!!! I was all set to purchase a new unit. Watched your video and it was the exact issue you showed here. The monitoring switch was not clicking at all. I was actually looking up a new switch, and was playing with the old one, pressing the button and it starting clicking! I reinstalled the switch, reassembled the the unit, plugged it in and it worked! I guess the switch was simply gummed up with gunk. I still ordered a new one for under $10.00. Saved me from buying a new microwave. Thanks again! It is the wisdom and kindness of people such as yourself that restores ones faith in humanity. We should all be so kind and share what we know to help one another!

[@frost4kill]

How is it now? Still working?

[@richardgoodnight1311]

Thanks for the video. Started here. All switches were operating correctly, but I noticed the relay was a little loose. Taped it down securely, back in business.

[@kentuckycor]

I just found your video last week and it was so helpful! I was able to diagnose our issue and replace a bad switch in about an hour (minus wait for switch to come in). Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!!!

[@katherinesaenz7818]

Great walk thru and easy to follow! You saved me from spending money on a piece I didn’t need after all.

[@nvwlsnvwls2785]

Thanks Sam, I bought a pack of fuses to discover the microwave could still work. The fault tripping fuses was still a mystery. I followed your instructions and ordered a pack of door switches one NO one NC. After replacing the pair, I opened them and found the NO switch had scorch marks from what looks to be arcing. We are now day 5 since the easy repair and its working perfectly. Huge Thanks the replacement cost was $799 for our model and we were out of warranty. Great advice and easy to follow instructions.

[@nkupras]

My Frigidaire microwave was tripping the breaker every time we opened the door before the timer was up (odd). I followed your steps and discovered that the switches were all good BUT one of them was "stuck" due to some grease and oil getting in there. Once I cleaned it and it made the "click" sound again, I put it all together and it works again! Thank you for the detailed walkthrough, you're a lifesaver.

[@ericelwess6991]

4 years later, this was the exact fix for my issue!!!!! Saved me a lot of $$$$$ Thanks Sam!!!!!!

[@Asosa06]

You are a life saver!!! Saved me hundreds of dollars on hiring a technician. I followed your instructions instead and found the problem ordered the part and had the microwave working in no time!!! Again, thank you!!!!

[@lennydee3538]

I can't believe how easy it is to repair. Thank you so much!

[@coffeepot888]

Had this problem twice on two GE microwaves after 1 year and again 3 years after that... Great video brother, spreading some knowledge. Manufactured obsolescence is taking over and most of these companies would prefer you not fix their products, pay them or the city to recycle/dispose of their pieces of garbage, and buy a new one every few years.

[@pauldoug10]

Great video! You did an excellent job providing step-by-step instructions. Hope this is the problem with mine.

[@dghanlen]

Thank you so much for this excellent video! After paying more than $200 for an electrician service call ,who narrowed it down to an appliance issue, I found this video. And 1.5 hours later, it is fixed! You saved me the expense of a new microwave and installation. Thank you!!!

[@scottcampbell7180]

Your video was precise and articulate. My microwave was tripping the breaker and I didn't know what to do. Via your post I was able to analyze it properly. (it was the monitoring switch!) Ordered the switch online, had it 24 hours later and 20 minutes later I completed the install and everything is working great! The hardest part was getting the plastic vent cover off and the control panel off...I hate plastic, it always seems like it is going to break. THANK YOU for a fantastic video.

[@jmays]

Thanks for your great video! Turned out I had the exact problem as yours, bad monitoring switch! Easy to fix following your explanation. Thanks.

[@CJLeTeff]

Your video was absolutely awesome! You saved me at least $150-$500! My problem was the exact same switch, and I took it out to test it and it clicked back in place to start working again! No cost fix!

[@AFrogNamedPoo]

Thank you sooo much for posting this! I have a similar model (Gallery version) and was having this issue. My switch was just stuck (probably from me opening the door mid-cycle, lol.) Unstuck it and started putting it back together then realised I didn't pay attention to which way the black/white wire harness went and your video helped me once again! I could see how it went at 9:59! You are a lifesaver!

[@ddddffgghh]

Tested installed new switch working great , Thank You saved alot of aggravation and cost ,my best to you Sam keep them coming ...

[@abhuram1]

Thanks to this video I was able to repair my microwave on my own in less than $35 otherwise it would have cost me a new one.

[@ledzep3793]

Saved me hundreds in having to buy a new microwave! After walking through the steps in the video, the issue was a simple $7 fix. Thank you! Thank you!

[@rickyouells3422]

Great informative video. I appreciate the detail that you go into and it's all about the problem and troubleshooting with no wasted words. I have this exact problem and suspected it, but this will give me the confidence when I order the parts that I'm not just throwing my money away.

[@duckque]

I just fixed my microwave by following this video. I ordered the part on Amazon, and had my microwave back working in minutes. Thanks for sharing this video! Saved me and others a lot of money ❤️

[@toddliu6010]

May I ask which model of the switch did you buy?

[@shawngearhart4256]

Worked perfectly! Was the same middle switch that was the culprit on mine. I didn't even have to get a new one - just un-stuck the current one. Thank you so much for the video! I really appreciated it!

[@mikecarr9901]

What a great video. Daughter's MW circuit breaker kept popping and this guidance saved her $267 just for a service call and $100 an hour to trouble shoot and fix it. Her final cost, $9 for the three switches on Amazon , $1 for a 20 amp fuse from O'Riley's auto parts and one bottle of Grey Goose for 2 1/2 hours of semi-professional labor that eventually got the MW back together. The door switch was the culprit, but ALL is good now. THANK YOU!

[@edwardferrer8188]

You are a lifesaver. I was just about to purchase a new microwave, but figured I would couldn't hurt to take it apart since it's already broke. Watched this video and it saved me time and money. My monitor switch, was just stuck! I unstuck it and it works! Thank you!

[@tonny5835]

Fantastic video and direct guide to troubleshoot one of the most common issues with Microwaves and faulty door switches. I was just about to order a new one and going through your video I was able to find the monitor switch that was jammed. Took it apart and whola...back to work it was....Thank you very much for sharing your expertize.....

[@barlowmi]

Great video and advise. Pulled the switch panel out following video and recognized the monitor switch was bad. Oddly enough we use these same switches in my golf simulator business and had one laying around. Replaced and back in business. Microwave working again. Save money and learn some simple troubleshooting. THANK YOU!

[@RubenMalanPianoTally]

Your video is well done, very helpful and illustrative. Thank you so much sir!

[@joeyvilla8557]

This video saved me from buying a new microwave replacing my 2 yr old one right before Christmas! Didnt have a testing tool but replaced all door switches and fuse just to be safe for under 20 bucks! Thank you!

[@manjitgadra7933]

Thank you Sam !! Simply cleaning grease from switch fixed mine. Also had issue in monitor switch.

[@hemphillnc]

Thank you for posting. I have GE microwave 2 years old, same problem you outlined, bad monitor switch. Thank you for your help.

[@gamingbystarlight6405]

You da man Sam - thank you! My GE JVM3160RF2SS had a bad middle door switch and kept tripping the 20A breaker. The limit switch part looks like it tests for continuity OK, but if the plunger is wiggled ever so slightly, (without pressing it in until it clicks) the circuit opens. Got a KW3A micro switch online (same 16A@125/250V rating) for $8.00. Tip to others: With this GE oven, you can leave the oven in place for this repair. To remove the control panel, first remove the plastic header part above the oven cavity (behind the door, 2 screws). The control panel should slide up and out. Thank you again Sam. You saved me the money and the aggravation of getting a new micro that may not match the other appliances.

[@brianturner914]

Gaming by Starlight Question. Are the top and bottom micro switches the same model number?

[@efthimios]

Gaming by Starlight I have a Ge too it’s the second he this happened to I don’t want k buy a new one and guess try to fix it - so you don’t have to rip the darn thing down to open for access?

[@gamingbystarlight6405]

@@efthimios Correct: Unplug, leave it bolted to your cabinet, remove the header part at the top of the microwave, then slide the control panel up. At least that' show it worked for me. It's insane that GE designed an electrical circuit with such a ridiculous failure mode.

[@efthimios]

Gaming by Starlight thank you it worked and I ordered the switches and a thermo from amazon just waiting now

[@dillanscruggs4555]

Thank you so much for showing how to diagnose the issue. Took me 5 minutes after watching your video to fix my issue. It was the switch not clicking. I pulled it out pushed the little button in and out a few times and it started clicking again. Reinstalled and boom working just fine. You saved me hundreds of dollars I was so close to going and buying a new microwave. Thank you again.

[@danielliston4989]

You are my hero! This fixed an almost identical Kenmore unit and saved about $500 for a comparable replacement. Best KZbin video of all time!

[@vqjohnston1]

Thank you thank you thank you! 😊 I live in an apartment that takes forever to fix things! Actually they’ve never even fixed anything. For my stove and dryer I waited months and months only for them to just switch it out with another apartments 🙄 I was able to fix my microwave in 10 minutes for free! Seemed to just be loose. Thanks again!

[@DAREALMRKREEP]

I had no clue what was wrong with my microwave and your video was my first search and hit it on the nail. I changed the switch and the hot pockets were back in my belly. Thank you so much!

[@sevillain1]

Great video! Pro tip for viewers: TAKE A PIC OF THE HARNESS CONNECTIONS!!! Helps remember where each block was terminated. (Could always write it out too .. Black/Yellow @ TOP .. Black/White @BOTTOM) Again .. Great video! I appreciate the fact you showed the schematics and showed the switching functions! 👍

[@always430]

Thank you for making this video, my son-in-law and husband watched this and was able to tell it was a bad switch! New part ordered...microwave is working!! Our microwave is a GE made 12/16 - we got it in spring of 2017. Sure don't make things like they used to.

[@jeffc7201]

is this your model number JVM3160DF3BB? My microwave is a GE and it was made May 2017. My problem is intermittent, it works fine for 2-3 weeks, then out of nowhere it trips the breaker when you try to use it. I can reset the breaker and it works again.

[@landonrobinson1854]

I really appreciated both the conciseness and the attention to detail. Turns out the switch was broken in mine. Bought a couple to keep on hand (kw3a for the bottom gray and kw3a-16 for the top black). Thanks friend!

[@FrankieJ0578]

Thank you for this helpful video! I was able to get my Kenmore Elite microwave/hood working again without tripping the breaker. The monitoring switch was bad, ordered replacements from amazon and bam! Worked like a charm. Thanks again.

[@mikekiely5559]

My Microwave was tripping the breaker so I searched KZbin and found our video first. We have the EXACT microwave! this made it very simple to follow. Ends up it was even the same switch. I ordered the part on Amazon and had it fixed for $8. Thanks for your video, I was just about to order a new microwave.

[@allenmcgovern6218]

This video saved me over $300 and allowed me to learn something along the way, MANY THANKS!

[@chantolahoul8759]

Awesome video! Mine being the exact same switch but the wiring was so tight, it was a pain to the panel in/out. Needless, it fixed it! Thanks!

[@nonya1232]

There are several good videos but this was the best. Exactly the issue I was having and easy to fix with lots of details. Thank you for taking the time and making this video.

[@telks83]

Thank you so much for this video! You saved me over $300 right here at Christmas! I would have had to replace my microwave if it were for you posting this. Thank you again!!

[@richardwaters430]

Nice job! It fixed the problem that I could not figure out. Your video was the only one that did the trick. Thanks again.

[@alturner6885]

My monitor switch was stuck and the fuse was popping. Your instructional video saved me from discarding the microwave and saved me a lot of work and money. Kudos to you.

[@crem_rock]

the same switch was out on mine (it was stuck, and i just manually kicked it back into place and now it works.) thanks for this informative and detailed video!

[@bethfawcett4987]

THANK YOU! Our microwave is 3 years old and all of a sudden started blowing the breaker. This was the only video I could find that wasn't talking about the fuse being blown. I had already checked that. Watched the video and discovered the same switch was bad. Went ahead and replaced them all for just $8!

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Good video, Helped me fix the oven. I ordered switches on e bay for my Frigidaire, no, not OEM which was $59.00 plus shipping, but $12.59 for 3, two NO and one NC. This is tomorrow’s project. Beats spending $300.00 plus for a new one . If it doesn’t work, a buddy has one with the wall bracket for free, just got to service his Honda mower. I call that a deal.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

The switches worked fine, replaced all 3. I did have to take the Frigidaire oven down and partially remove the cabinet. The bad one was the NC switch. Lower middle one, it was hanging up. The top and bottom ones are the NO ones.

[@kitaskov]

Great job explaining! I have a very similar model microwave, less than 3 years old at the time of this message. Frigidaire Model No FGMV176NTF, manufactured Sep 2017. The exact switch in the middle (the monitoring switch) was the one that was broken. Found a pack of 2 on Amazon for $7. Dongnan KW3A Microwave Door Switch.

[@BDMurfy]

Thanks so much for this! Your video and $7 worth of switches kept me from having to replace my microwave. Huge help!

[@ld749]

BDMurfy switch is not cheap 32 bucks and 51 according to frigidaire parts

[@exalch]

I'm so glad I found this video. I had already replaced the turntable motor, which needed to be replaced anyway and is what I initially thought was tripping the circuit breaker. I was honestly about to call an electrician to take a look at the whole circuit since that's where I draw the line in my own DIY fixing. Your video was so concise and easy to follow. I was able to test the switches just as you did and found the same exact thing was my issue. Ordering new switches and replacing them like you showed. My microwave is like brand new now and it only cost me maybe 50 bucks tops (turntable motor plus switches and shipping total). Thanks so much! Heavy thumbs up!

[@rsbterps7780]

Hey man! Thank you so much for this video, we just repaired a microwave and spent $40 on the new switch rather than $300 on the new microwave. Cheers!

[@fnicholasphoto]

Thank you for this video. Your step-by-step instructions made for easy instructions. Because of this video, I did find my monitor switch was just stuck. Thank You

[@aldojovanni4992]

Just fixed my microwave too. Almost spent a fortune on an electrician! Thank you for this tutorial!

[@ladyingridangel]

Great job with the video. I had the same problem with the monitoring switch. When I pulled it out and tested it I found that the switch was I little stuck. I depressed the actuator and it worked properly. Then I noticed the switch bracket that held the monitoring switch in place was a little loose. So I took a thin piece of a business card and slid it in behind the switch so it wouldn't shift so much.. and it works perfectly. No part to replace. Thanks to your fabulous video my microwave still works.

[@djplayerproductions]

Many Thanks. You saved me a ton of money. Microwave Fixed.

[@loicconte7359]

Exact same microwave. Exact same problem, except that my switch was sticky with grease. Cleaned it up and it's back in service. Now I'm a hero at home!

[@scottburchette1882]

My ge microwave had the exact same symptoms and it was the switch on the video. This video saved me a lot of money and time. Awesome video on disassembly and putting it back together

[@snoopyfix2]

Thanks for the video! After replacing my switch, it still tripped the breaker. After watching your video, I put a black thumb tack right in the black lever that is supposed to make contact (where you put tape). No more issues. Thanks a bunch!

[@theaveragemale1451]

Video is still going strong. Looking at $700 microwaves to replace and then thought I'd take a crack at it! Keep it up!

[@KennyInVegas]

Very COOL of you to share your wisdom!..GBYAY!

[@JoelWalters]

One of my switches was also defective on my GE range microwave (model jvm3160df3ww) and I was able to quickly diagnose the issue with the help of your video. Thank you.

[@plpno]

3 years later...This video is still informative! 👍🏼✌🏽

[@parulpatel0510]

Best Useful video i have ever seen in my life.. Problem solved with $10 switch. Thank you so much for making this video. I guess frigidaire has a same problem for all.

[@JeremyThielman]

I have the exact same switch problem. Thank you!

[@notsonerdyinthird7234]

This turned out to be my exact issue. An electrician told me the microwave was bad and needed replaced, so thank you for saving me that cost!!

[@johansaldarriaga660]

Man I love you. You saved me $300 for a new microwave. I changed the fuse and monitor switch. I followed all the steps and everything worked. Thank you so much. You got a new subscriber

[@emilymay8974]

This video took so much work, thanks man!

[@Davoletows]

Exact same problem as this--same style microwave too. Tremendously helpful!